9.7. Python Operators

1. Arithmetic Operators

• a + b # addition
• a - b # subtraction
• a * b # multiplication
• a / b # division
• a % b # modulus
• a ** b # exponent
• a // b # floor division

Arithmetic operators in Python are used to perform mathematical calculations. Each operator does a specific task:

• + is used for addition. For example, 5 + 3 results in 8.
• - is used for subtraction, so 5 - 2 results in 3.
• * is for multiplication, like 4 * 2 gives 8.
• / represents division. For example, 10 / 2 yields 5.0.
• % finds the modulus which gives the remainder of a division like 10 % 3 equals 1.
• ** raises a number to the power of another, for instance, 2 ** 3 gives 8.
• // is floor division which discards the fractional part of the quotient, so 9 // 4 results in 2.

Think of arithmetic operators like tools in a toolbox. Just as a hammer is used to drive nails and a wrench to tighten bolts, these operators help you perform different types of calculations. For instance, if you're baking cookies, you might need to mix ingredients (addition), subtract some of them (subtraction), multiply servings (multiplication), or even divide a recipe amongst friends (division).

2. Comparison Operators

• a == b # equal to
• a != b # not equal
• a > b # greater than
• a < b # less than
• a >= b # greater than or equal
• a <= b # less than or equal

Comparison operators are used to compare two values. They return a boolean value, which means either True or False:

• == checks if two values are equal. For example, 5 == 5 is True.
• != checks if two values are not equal. So, 5 != 4 is True.
• > checks if one value is greater than another, as in 6 > 2, which is True.
• < checks if one value is less, like 3 < 5, yielding True.
• >= checks if a value is greater or equal, 5 >= 5 is True.
• <= checks if a value is less or equal, 3 <= 4 is True.

Imagine you are a judge evaluating a competition. You need to compare the scores of the participants. If two scores are the same, you declare them equal, just like ==. If one score is higher, you determine that it is greater, similar to >. This decision-making process reflects how comparison operators work by helping us figure out relationships between values.

3. Logical Operators

• and
• or
• not

Logical operators are used to combine or invert boolean values. They include:

• and returns True if both operands are True. For example, True and True is True, while True and False is False.
• or returns True if at least one operand is True. So, True or False is True.
• not inversely returns True if the operand is False and vice versa. For example, not True is False.

Think of logical operators like a light switch system in a house. If you have two switches (and) that must both be on for the light to work, then the light is only on when both switches are activated. If either switch is off, the light won't work. The or operator works like having either switch capable of turning on the light. Finally, the not operator is like flipping the switch—if it’s on, it turns it off, and if it’s off, it turns it on.

--